Let me preface this post by saying two things:
Ok, on with the show…
I was prepared for those things.
I wasn’t mentally or physically prepared for some of the ailments and issues I would have for the months after birthing my darling tiny baby. Now that time has passed, I figured I would let you know about some of them. They aren’t fun or beautiful, but I want to be honest, and let other moms or moms-to-be out there know that these things happen, and they are not alone. No matter how gross.
I also want to share some solutions that have helped me out along the way – with hopes that some things I have learned can help you or someone you love, as well.
What the heck was/is wrong with me? Here’s my laundry list….
1. Sweating
2. Number 2, and I don’t mean this guy…
3. Hungrier than when I was pregnant
4. Emotions like:
5. Dryness (yeah, you know what I mean.)
6. Ever changing breasts
7. Hair Loss
8. Urinary Incontinence
9. Hemorrhoids. Yup…
So you’ve been warned, some upcoming posts will be a little less glamorous than I may like, but they are real, and if having a baby has taught me anything – it’s that moms are a lot tougher than they think.
The hair loss and then crazy baby bird feather hairs in the front while it grows back … ahh the memories! You're right though Mary, moms are a lot tougher than they think.
Your honesty is moving. Love you <3
I love this, Mary. It is so very important for new Moms to know all of this, sort of like a "oh, that's normal. It's not just me." The "not just me" diminishes the fear, I think. I'm finding this on the opposite end of the scale – Menopause – and all of its glamour. You hear about it, but it's not happening to you, so you store it somewhere. When things happen, it's very, very good and very refreshing (almost) to think "it's not just me." Thank you for posting this…
My doctor told me almost a year later that if you are breastfeeding, it's basically as if you are menopausal (#1 & #5). Yup, that would've been nice to know ahead of time. 😉
Oh how true each and everyone! I was younger when I had my first son and wasn't as aware of the issues then. Add seven years and another little guy it was unbelievable all the hormonal and physical changes my body experienced. I am still balancing back out after 14 months. Good luck and your awesome for sharing honestly!
I highly recommend looking into a specialized exercise DVD called Hab-it to deal with the incontinence! I have had 1st degree bladder prolapse issues after my daughter's birth and this DVD has helped a lot! I'm not sure how old your baby is, but during the postpartum and breastfeeding time, our bodies are still making the relaxin hormone, which effects our pelvic floor. I'm still bfing 2 years out (only once a day) but have still had a lot of improvement in the bladder issues. Thanks for sharing a realistic picture!